Editors Choice 10 Best Mountain Bikes Under $1000 Review

Biking is definitely a fun way to spend your weekends and days off on. Aside from being a way to do exercise, it also enables you to explore places that are hard to reach by walking or can never be reached through driving. Choosing the best mountain bikes under $1000 that money can buy is a tough job if you are a newbie. Biking also takes you to nice sites and is a fun time to communicate with nature. Biking can be done in plain roads or trails. Some people bike around the city during their free time just to shake the stress off. Others make biking a way of life; something they make time for and invest on. There are people who are fond of city biking, but there are also a lot of people that are into biking that gives them the thrill of doing such. Thus, one type of biking that awakes the adventurer in you is mountain biking.

What makes the best mountain bike?

When Choosing a mountain bike for you, you must first identify what mountain bike practice or discipline you are most interested to do. Thus, we provided you some of the mountain bike categories and what features and specifications must the mountain bike have depending on the discipline or practice it belongs.

In the specifications below, head-tube angle is the angle the bike forms with the ground. Steep head-tube angle means better climb and faster turn. Low head-tube angle means the ability of the bike to be stable even at a high speed. On the other hand, suspension travel means the movement provided by the mountain bike’s front and rear suspensions.

Mountain Bike Size To Fit You

This is one of the most important things you must do when purchasing a bike: make sure it fits you well. You have to make sure that it suits the mountain biking practice you are going to do. In addition, make sure that it fits your body type and height well. This would be the best thing to do for you to feel comfortable and at ease during the ride. Furthermore, if you can test the bike before purchasing, please do so. Check if it fits your mountain biking needs. This will help you determine if the bike is really the best for you.

Below is a table of bike frame sizes to help you decide on what bike frame size suits you best:

TOP 10 MOUNTAIN BIKES UNDER $1,000 - Detailed Review

1. Diamondback Recoil Full Suspension Mountain Bike

Diamondback Recoil Comp Full Suspension Mountain Bike is a powerful bike you can take in any aggressive mountain biking. Its aluminium-alloy full suspension frame ensures you it is durable and heavy-duty to use even on the toughest trails. It has only 1 pivot with a cartridge that is sealed to ensure you a smooth and easy ride. It has a fork and rear suspensions that promise reliable shock absorption. It has disc brakes that are effectively responsive, which makes you stop when you need to. Lastly, Diamondback Recoil Comp Full Suspension Mountain Bike has a great drivetrain and cranks which makes it reliable for you to shift.

When you are about to begin your mountain biking journey without having to spend thousands of dollars, you might consider getting your own Diamondback Recoil Comp Full Suspension Mountain Bike.

2. Factory DS180-27.5" 24SP Mountain Bike

Factory DS180-27.5" 24SP Mountain Bike is built and designed with a world-class quality. Compared to other mountain bikes, this bike is cheaper since it is directly sold from the manufacturer to the customers. It is made with alloy that makes the bike lightweight. It has a dual suspension which ensures you utmost comfort, reliability to absorb shock and impact as well as amazing traction. In addition, its rear suspension is controlled by a coil-over shock which is responsible for ensuring a firm and stable bike ride.

With the features of Factory DS180-27.5" 24SP Mountain Bike, you can surely take this bike to aggressive biking without worries. What makes it better is that Factory DS180-27.5" 24SP Mountain Bike has a complete Shimano TX800 24-speed group set which makes it a good deal and worth the price.

3. Navi RS100 Hard-tail Mountain Bike

Navi RS100 Hard-tail Mountain Bike has 6061 aluminium-alloy frame that ensure you it is lightweight to carry. Its main and secondary parts have a Shimano brand, which ensures it is reliable to use even on aggressive biking. It has an aluminium alloy crank set, quick-release hubs, stem, double-wall rims and seat post. It has stainless steel disc brakes and spokes. Navi RS100 Hard-tail Mountain Bike also has a Shimano front and disc brakes that is quick to stop when you need to do so. Also, you should know that this bike comes 85% un-assembled, so it is best if you have it professionally assembled in the bike shop. This is one of the cheapest best mountain bikes under 500 available out there so if you are short of budget and looking for an average but good one then go for it.

85% unassembled when purchased so you have to fit them together by yourself.

4. Navi R240 Hard-tail Mountain Bike

Navi R240 Hard-tail Mountain Bike can be considered a great value. It has an aluminium-alloy frame and a suspension for with a manual lockout feature. Its handlebar, stem, seat post, pedals, crank set and hub are made with an aluminium-alloy material which makes the whole mountain bike lightweight. Its gear shift efficiently and its front suspension fork is smooth to use in rides.

When purchasing your own Navi R240 Hard-tail Mountain Bike, it comes not totally assembled, so it is best to have it serviced in the bike shop.

5. Charge Cooker Mindi 1 27.5" Mountain Bike

Charge Cooker Mindi 1 27.5" Mountain Bike is great for trailing. With its simplicity, efficiency and functionality, it can be all you want for in a mountain bike. It has a single-speed drivetrain and a tough-performing suspension fork for a hassle-free experience while on a trail. It has higher-end tubeless tires and rims which makes it heavy-duty and able of conquering even the rockiest and muddiest roads. In addition, Charge Cooker SS 29er Mountain Bike is affordability and efficiency in a mountain bike; just what you need when you are on a tight budget but want the best bike for you. This is one of the best mountain bike for the money you can buy.

6. Upland X90 26-inch Hard-tail Mountain Bike

Upland X90 26-inch Hard-tail Mountain Bike is the best mountain bike brand which you can take whether you are commuting and mountain biking; it is a mountain bike offering the best of both worlds. It is a high-end mountain bike with Shimano parts like its disc braking system as well as its 24-speed control system. Its 24-speed control system provides you smooth and quick change depending on the terrain. Its frame is made from a tough and heavy-duty aluminium-alloy material which is lightweight and easy to carry. It has a front suspension fork that is reliable to use even on rough and unpaved roads.

Lastly, Upland X90 26-inch Hard-tail Mountain Bike has an exquisite design which puts this mountain bike at the top. This is one of the top mountain bike brands who makes wonderful designed mountain bikes.

7. Merax Finiss 26" Mountain Bike

Merax Finiss 26" Mountain Bike is another mountain bike you can take anywhere. With it aluminium frame that is heat-treat, it ensure you it is heavy-duty and lightweight. Its wheels are made from magnesium alloy, and its front suspension fork is made from aluminium with a lock-out feature. It has a 21-speed Shimano gearing system which makes it smooth and reliable to change or transfer depending on the terrain. Its drivetrain does great when you are riding mostly on plain trails.

In addition, the wheels are exquisitely designed which makes Merax Finiss 26" Mountain Bike a full package. It is cheaper compared to other bikes but it can be functional and efficient when used.

8. Diamondback Overdrive Sport Best Hard-tail Mountain Bike

Diamondback Overdrive Sport Hard-tail Mountain Bike is a mountain bike perfect for entry-level mountain bikers. It can be best used whether you are commuting, going to work or on a trail. Its frame is made from an aluminium-alloy material which makes it heavy-duty and lightweight at the same time. Some of its parts have a Shimano brand, such as its gearing system and disc brakes.

This mountain bike’s gearing system offers a smooth gear change or transfer, and its disc brakes offer a reliable and responsive braking power. Truly, Diamondback Overdrive Sport Hard-tail Mountain Bike is the best deal to serve your biking needs.

9. Montague Paratrooper Best Folding Mountain Bike

Montague Paratrooper Mountain Folding Bike is the best for people who are into a more aggressive type of biking, but are looking for ways to keep and fix their bikes in an easy way. This mountain bike is designed to endure even the greatest impact brought by rough, rocky and unpaved trails. This mountain folding bike is uniquely designed and has a Folding Integrated Technology (FIT), which makes the bike easy to assemble. Since most parts of this bike are made from aluminium, it ensures you it is heavy-duty. It has a reliable gearing system which ensures smooth gear change or transfer while on a trail. Its tires can endure rocky roads as well as paved plain roads.

Montague Paratrooper Mountain Folding Bike has a suspension that has a lock-out feature which makes the ride smooth and easy. Lastly, this mountain folding bike is easy to fix and assemble without worries!

10. Gravity FSX 2.0 Dual Full Suspension Mountain Bike

Gravity FSX 2.0 Dual Full Suspension Mountain Bike is ideal for entry-level mountain bikers who are looking for a reliable bike while trailing. Its frame is made from aluminium which ensures it is lightweight to carry but heavy-duty. It has an adjustable front and rear suspension which is ideal even when used on paved and unpaved roads. Its front and rear wheels have a quick-release feature, and its gearing system offers a smooth gear transfer no matter what the terrain is. This is one of the best full suspension mountain bike under 1000 dollar that is available out there.

Gravity FSX 2.0 Dual Full Suspension Mountain Bike also has a disc braking system which is ideal and the best one to use especially when on a trail.

There are a lot of mountain bikes available in the market for you to choose from. These mountain bikes have same or unique features, and are designed to endure the challenge of mountain biking. However, what makes a mountain bike the best one for you?

Mountain biking is a sport and a recreational activity that involves off-road biking on rough and rocky terrains. It is an activity that entails balance, endurance and strength since mountain biking involves riding through rough roads which you do not do in your daily life.

Mountain bike categories to choose from:

Cross-country : Cross-country cycling is done when you ride on both rough roads and paved roads. Considered as the most common discipline in the world of mountain biking, it is tagged as something easy to do when compared to other mountain biking categories.

Downhill : Downhill mountain biking is done when you ride on rough and steep terrains that sometimes make the bike drop and jump while on the road.

Dirt-jumping : Dirt-jumping is a biking practice that involves riding on slightly rough roads and being airborne. In this practice, being airborne means that you ‘take off’ from the road and aim to land on the right path to continue on the track.

Free-ride :Free-ride is another category of mountain biking which focuses on making biking tricks and styles while riding.

Trail riding : Trail riding is a biking practice that involves riding on forest roads and trails that the motorized traffic does not usually pass through.

Enduro :Enduro or all-mountain bike riding is a kind of racing that involves riding on downhill and uphill roads. This kind of racing is not timed but has a time limit for you to complete the trail.

By knowing these mountain bike disciplines and practices, you now have knowledge that when you are into or you want to try mountain biking, you must have a complete set of protective gears and accessories since the road is tough and so is the journey. In addition, you must have a strong will as well as determination when you are into mountain biking since this is an aggressive way of biking. Lastly, aside from having protective gears and making yourself ready for the challenge, it is best if you have a tough and reliable mountain bike to ride on.

Suspension System of the mountain bike

Hard-tail : A mountain bike with a hard-tail suspension has a suspension fork in the front wheel to absorb impact. Since it only has front suspension and no suspension on the rear, hard-tail bikes are cheaper compared to full-suspension bikes. Hard-tail bikes also have the ability to lock the suspension fork when the user wants the bike to be just firm. A hard-tail bike is ideal when used in cross-country and trail riding as well as in dirt-jumping.

Full Suspension : Compared to a hard-tail bike, a full suspension bike has a front suspension fork as well as a rear suspension to absorb the impact more efficiently. Though getting a full suspension bike can be more expensive, the shock absorbance it does lessens the on the rider more efficiently for a fun mountain bike ride. A full suspension bike also increases traction and mostly has the ability to lock rear suspension to transfer the energy for a more efficient climbing. A full suspension bike is ideal when used in downhill, free-ride and Enduro riding.

What to check before buying a mountain bike

There are a couple of things to consider when purchasing a mountain bike. However, the main thing you should consider is the mountain bike you are going to choose best suits you as well as the mountain biking practice you are going to do. However, these are general tips and the things you must check when buying a mountain bike. Check our infographics on choosing a mountain bike.

Establish a budget for the bike :First things first; you do not want to look for bikes that are out of your league, right? It would be heart-breaking to check for bikes that are so good and flashy, only to find out in the end it is not within the range your budget. Thus, establish a budget in purchasing your mountain bike. It would condition you to think of a bike that is within your reach and will inspire you to look for the best deals within your budget. There are a lot of good mountain bikes in the market that are not as pricey as other mountain bikes; just be patient and looking and you will find the perfect one for you.

Check the main parts of the bike :The main parts of the bike are the brakes, frame, gearing system, suspension and the wheel size. Make sure the brakes grip great and are responsive especially on sudden moves, the frame is made from a high-quality material that is tough and heavy-duty, the gearing system offers a smooth ride or a reliable ride no matter what the terrain is, the suspension is reliable in absorbing shock and impact, and lastly, make sure the wheel size is according to the needs of the mountain bike practice you are going to do. You can have a thorough check on these main mountain bike parts below to help you decide and discern well.

Brakes for the bike :

There are two types of braking system the mountain bike has:

Disc brakes: This type of braking system uses brake pads that clasp on a rotor that is attached to the bike’s wheel hub. Disc brakes have two kinds: a mechanical disc brake and a hydraulic disc brake. A mechanical or cable-activated disc brake needs to be adjusted manually because the pads wear. On the other hand, a hydraulic disc brake offers you a stronger and responsive braking which requires less finger effort since it adjusts itself when the brake pads start to wear.

Compared to rim brakes, a lot of mountain bikers choose to have a disc braking system since it is more reliable and responsive when you need to stop. In addition, disc brakes offer an optimum braking performance even on wet, rocky and steep trails. However, having a disc braking system in your mountain bike requires a more expensive servicing since it is hard to replace the brake pads when it already needs to be replaced.

Rim brakes: Rim brakes are the most common type of braking system entry-level mountain bikes have. In this types of braking system, the brake pads grip on the rims of the wheel. Have rim brakes is cheaper compared to disc brakes, and it is easy to observe if the brake pads are wearing off. However, this kind of braking systems puts stress on the wheel rim, which will require replacement later on. In addition, its braking power is not as efficient and responsive as disc brakes can do. Rim brakes also require finger effort especially on aggressive biking.

Mountain Bike Frame

The mountain bike’s frame serves as the foundation of the whole bike. Thus, it is important if you check the frame well and what material is the frame made of.

Common modern-day mountain bike frame materials:

Aluminium-alloy: Aluminium-alloy frames are the most common bike frames material available in the market nowadays. It tends to be lightweight and tough, but is more affordable compared to other bike frames made from a different material kind. Having this kind of mountain bike frame is ideal when you are still a beginner in mountain biking and if you are on a tight budget.

Carbon Fiber: Mountain bike frames that are made from carbon fibre tend to perform better than an aluminium alloy bike frame. This kind of frame can be taken in any aggressive biking and can endure the intensity of it. It is tough and heavy-duty, so it cannot easily break. However, this kind of mountain bike frame material is more expensive.

Titanium: Mountain bike frames that are made from a material like titanium are known to be of the best and highest quality. It is durable, heavy-duty and lightweight. However, you have to choose a titanium bike frame wisely since some titanium bike frames tend to be poorly welded. This kind of bike frame is more expensive too, compared to other bike frames.

Mountain Bike Gearing System

The mountain bike’s gearing system varies from one bike to another. It can be reflected on the number of chainrings the bike has. Gearing system can be from a single speed to more than 30 gears.

When evaluating a mountain bike’s gearing system, you have to consider the kind of biking practice or discipline you are going to do. If you are only going to ride on a plain trail, then having fewer gears would suffice. However, if you are going to do an aggressive mountain biking discipline like Enduro, it is better if you have more gears because you will be riding on a lot of downhill and steep trails which require more gearing work. Shifting gears is also a skills you need to acquire as you become a better mountain biker.

Mountain Bike’s Wheel Size

27.5 in.: This kind of wheel size is easier to use on trails.

27.5+ in.: This kind of wheel size offers a more comfortable ride, since it enables less resistance when rolling.

29 in.: This kind of wheel size can enable you to bike further since it is ideal when riding on a long distance terrain.

Friendly tip: Usually, mountain bikes with parts that have well-known brands perform incredibly. Thus, it would help you to do a little research on the best bike part brands in the market and see if the bike you are going to purchase have well-known branded parts

Conclusion

With all of these best-rated mountain bikes in the market, the decision still depends on the type of mountain biking discipline you are going to do, since the bike you are going to choose is dependent on that. However, if you are looking for the best bike under $1000, and you are into a more aggressive type of mountain biking, I highly recommend the Diamondback Recoil Comp Full Suspension Mountain Bike.

Among these top picks, Diamondback Recoil Comp Full Suspension Mountain Bike is one powerful and reliable bike you can take in any aggressive mountain biking. Its frame is made from an aluminium alloy material which ensures it is heavy-duty even when used on the toughest roads and trails. It has a single pivot technology with a sealed cartridge which ensures you it is smooth and easy to use and take on a ride.

Since it is a full-suspension mountain bike, it has a front suspension fork and rear suspensions that ensure you a reliable shock and impact absorption especially on tougher trails. It has a reliable and a responsive disc braking system which is really ideal on mountain biking. Lastly, Diamondback Recoil Comp Full Suspension Mountain Bike is considered to be a bang for the buck; a full-suspension mountain bike you can get on a budget!

Though it may be quite heavy to carry and tiresome to use especially on uphill trails, Diamondback Recoil Comp Full Suspension Mountain Bike is still one of the best mountain bikes since it offers you the best mountain biking experience possible without breaking the bank. Truly, no wonder it is considered one of the best-rated mountain bikes with a great value.